Earlier this week I was listening to Rush Limbaugh yammer on about the war in Iraq and those that want our troops out of that country. He calls the now 70% or so of us that are against continuing the occupation “the Left” and of course paints us as “America haters.” It must be nice to be Rush Limbaugh (and President Bush) and have the world easily divided into black and white so no thought is required. While I’m happy that Limbaugh thinks the Left in this country is so vast in numbers, his distortions of our motives are simplistic and dangerous.
Rush went on to explain to his audience that the Left is against any use of military force that furthers our national agenda. He claims that we are only for using our military in humanitarian efforts, but not in protecting our national interest. Of course he didn’t discuss the military action in Afghanistan that had nearly unanimous support and goes so far as to say that if the United States had any strategic interest in Darfur (for example if there was oil there), the Left would not be calling for US involvement to help stop the genocide currently taking place. The problem with this kind of rhetoric (besides the fact that it’s completely made up) is that his audience believes him and it only stokes the fires of their hatred of the Left (and who are the Left but 70% of their fellow Americans at this point). His listeners happily call themselves “ditto heads” more than suggesting that they will blindly follow Rush’s lead and believe any crap he shovels out. It has been difficult to listen to right wing radio, not because I disagree with most of what is being said, but because the format and presentation leave no room for thought, let alone discussion.
Polarization of the population is good for the Right, but bad for this country. This president has steered us into dangerous waters and it will take serious thought and reasoned action to get us out of this mess. We no longer have the luxury of simplistic notions of good and evil, black and white, and we need to pull together in order to successfully navigate this world of grey. Yes, we have a strategic interest in a stable Middle East as well as a national interest in energy independence, both of which have been damaged under the “guidance” of this president. The Bush administration has single handedly destabilized the region while simultaneously hindering any progress toward energy independence. Only in the bizzarro black and white world of Rush Limbaugh’s ditto heads can this be laid at the feel of “the Left”.
The American people are not as stupid as the ditto heads, and we voted earlier this month for change. We want our government to work (as in do something other than provide political theater), we want a new direction in Iraq (as opposed to staying the course that is only escalating the violence) and we want real oversight (instead of a rubber stamp Congress that acts only as an extension of the White House). We didn’t vote for more polarization or more of the kind of simplistic thinking that got us here. We understand that the world is complicated, made up almost entirely of shades of gray, and that it will take thought, discussion, differing views and hopefully consensus building in order to solve the problems we are facing. This president, with the help of his lap dog, do-nothing GOP led Congress, have made a terrible mess of things. We can only hope that by restoring the checks and balances so carefully constructed by our founding fathers, we can find some way of cleaning it up, or the very least, mitigating the damage as we extract ourselves from the hell we have created by turning our backs on the principles we were supposed to hold so dear.
I like your guest commentaries because they provide some food for thought . . . do you ever listen to Mark the dittohead friend of Franken on Franken's show? Franken consistently shows the weakness/prevarication in Rush's statements and Mark just laughs and continues to like the guy and listens to him regularly.
I'm not as secure in the notion that seventy percent of Americans now get it . . . that so many could be fooled for so long makes me think they are just tired of the corruption and some are getting it that they are losing their middle class status more than anything else. They may be a little more informed on Iraq but not sure they care that much as long as it remains as invisible as it still is.
Be interesting to read comments from some of our more conservative posters here about this.
Even Limbaugh has made some admissions of his own "carrying water" for this schizo administration. It is amazing that his "dittoheads" don't get it even now.
Posted by: joanie | November 25, 2006 at 12:34 PM
It is a comfort to pretend that without Bush the world would be just ticky-poo, but Jihadists would still be picking us off.
The left seems to, like the Kapos, want us to line up and don't shove.
Posted by: Walter E. Wallis | November 25, 2006 at 12:46 PM
Don't forget, 9-11 happened on Bush' watch...
Posted by: coiler | November 25, 2006 at 01:01 PM
And his war with Iraq has multiplied the jihadists. Walter, you must be one of that die-hard thirty percent!
Nice to meet you.
Posted by: joanie | November 25, 2006 at 01:07 PM
BTW, I think a blog with lots of ideas and points of view is always more interesting. So, I'm holding out the olive branch to PutS, Oly, Steve, and Other Steve.
Hey, I miss ya! But, you gotta have a sense of humor about things . . .
Posted by: joanie | November 25, 2006 at 01:26 PM
Oh, one more thing . . . Bellingham Bob, I have it on good authority that Michael has not denied you access to Blather . . . If you have Safari, you might be experiencing some of the same problems I was which were primarily really slow loading making it seem like I couldn't post.
Anyway, as an admirer of Bellingham and a possible retiree up there one of these days, I wanted you to know we all miss you, too.
Posted by: joanie | November 25, 2006 at 01:30 PM
Well, since we're using polls to support our position in refutation of things said, here goes.
Liberalgirlnextdoor wrote
"The American people are not as stupid as the ditto heads.."
Well, according to the Pew research survey this summer, Limbaugh listeners are some of the most educated and knowledgable out there:
http://people-press.org/reports/display.php3?PageID=1068
While you're entitled to your own opinion, ignorant as it may be, you are not entitled to your own facts.
Posted by: Truth Hurts | November 25, 2006 at 02:13 PM
You know, hard to argue Pew research. I respect them totally.
The only thing I can figure is that the notion that the media is liberal may be a consideration here. Rush, O'Reilly and such (all that conservative right-wing radio and TV) might have been the only hard-core political commentary out there and so their listeners knew the answers to those three - hardly insightful - questions. Given Rush's constant repetition of that information, wouldn't one expect his listeners to know those answers?
Air America is fairly new and is still growing in listenership. The fact that Rush and O'Reilly listeners knew those answers may speak to the availability of that information on those stations more than to the educated status of its listeners. . .
Just a thought. I have to admit incredulity at this notion that Rush and O'Reilly attract the most educated of us.
Posted by: joanie | November 25, 2006 at 02:37 PM
Is anyone surprised at one more?
A chuckle.
Posted by: joanie | November 25, 2006 at 03:41 PM
I guess I make a distinction between educated and smart. Our president went to one of the finest universities in this country and he may be knowledgeable about some things (I don't know what, but I'm sure there's something), but smart he ain't. He simply lacks the intellectual curiosity (not to mention acumen or honesty) necessary to put his education to use. I would say the same is true of anyone willing to call themselves ditto heads.
Posted by: liberalgirlnextdoor | November 25, 2006 at 06:20 PM
Yep...big difference between book learnin' and common sense.
Posted by: sparky | November 25, 2006 at 08:07 PM
What is a ditto head?
Posted by: Holodeck | November 25, 2006 at 08:15 PM
A dittohead according to Wiki is a fan of the Rush Limbaugh show.
Posted by: joanie | November 25, 2006 at 08:43 PM
Our President, Mr Bush is basically a good-ol-boy with a typical western cowboy mentality. He simply does not have a grasp of the 'world' and it's various cultures. I'm convinced that the Iraq situation is really the result of him wanted to avenge the attack on his father. He just doesn't get it. Probably good intentions but ignorant of true reality and it's implications. So sad!
Posted by: Duffman | November 26, 2006 at 06:58 AM
I am into the Woodward book about 40 pg or so. It is clear that W has no clue about world affairs. Has anyone noticed that he looks to be a little relived in public now that Rumsfield is gone and daddy's team is working behind the sceans to bail him out?
Posted by: Rich | November 26, 2006 at 07:49 AM
A good comedy writer could do a whole series entitled "All About George" because his whole presidency has been all about his ego and what he wanted for himself.
It could be one "well-intentioned" gaffe week after week after week . . . and there'll always be friends and family to bail "poor Georgie" out. Kinda sounds like "Dennis the Menace" to me.
Except that I don't think any of this was well-intentioned. It was a selfish need to have his way. It was arrogance, bratishness and ignorance all the way. And that cute little charmin' drawl, just another aspect to his adolescent manipulativeness.
Anybody that followed his 2000 campaign knew this guy was self-absorbed and arrogant. Took some time for the ignorance to be fully realized.
Nice, Duffman, that you can give him such a sweet Presidential eulogy. He's just a regular guy . . . give me a break!
I give this man no measure of leniency or sentiment. He will ride off into the proverbial sunset a much richer man than had he never been President. His favors for his base have set him up for life . . . and much of it earned by the deaths of hundreds of thousands in Iraq and thousands at home. While tens of thousands returning soldiers are maimed physically and mentally for life.
While Charmin' George will continue to cut brush on his cowboy castleland, those soldiers will be sleeping in streets. Drug and energy companies continue to reap huge profits; the medically afflicted will continue declaring onerous bankruptcies; access to higher education will continue to be closed to many; and our children and grandchildren will continue to owe unimaginable sums of money for his "well-intentioned" antics.
Posted by: joanie | November 26, 2006 at 12:14 PM
And Duffman, if you want to know what the rest of the world thinks, check out Hominid Views
Darryl has it laid out and links as well.
BTW, I forgot to include "bully" in my post above. Surely no one would argue with that . . . if you do, check out the link.
Posted by: joanie | November 26, 2006 at 12:23 PM
Rich, I finished "State of Denial" about 3 weeks ago. Excellent read.
Back in 1999, I warned my brother about "dubya". My take on the guy back then was that he was spoiled jerk, whose father had always bailed him out of his failures.
It happened in childhood, in college, in business, and in Texas politics.
The only successful business venture "dubya" has had, was due to his father's cronies, and getting the city of Arlington, Texas to condemn private land so a baseball stadium could be built for the Rangers, which later sold at a huge profit due to the new stadium.
This is a guy who was born on 3rd base, and STILL needs his daddy to carry him across home plate. Talk about pathetic.
His delusions of grandeur not withstanding, I have no doubt that history will judge this man harshly, as well they should.
The man is a walking disaster.
Posted by: adc | November 26, 2006 at 12:27 PM
Why is it that this New England born and educated President is the only one in his family to speak with his Good Ol' Boy Texas accent??
Posted by: sparky | November 26, 2006 at 03:34 PM
Sparky, I was going to post that, too. But I think he did grow up in Texas as well. At least, if the firecrackers-in-the-booty-of-frogs story is accurate, he did.
So, maybe some authenticity? Don't really know.
But I agree he uses it to manipulate. He's a con artist through and through. It's not workin' so well for him currently - at least not internationally. At home? If Duffman's any indication, maybe it still is.
Posted by: joanie | November 26, 2006 at 03:56 PM
yeah but his brothers, sisters, mom and dad were there too and THEY dont talk with a twang.
I think its hilarious.
Mama Bush is speaking in Salem in a few weeks..for an agency that provides health care to homeless and unemployed people. She is going to talk about altruism and giving of one's self freely...but,,,she is charging a huge fee that is so poopy that the agency refuses to say just how much it is.
That family......
Posted by: sparky | November 26, 2006 at 06:11 PM
[EMCEE]
Money makes the world go around
The world go around
The world go around
Money makes the world go around
It makes the world go 'round.
A mark, a yen, a buck, or a pound
A buck or a pound
A buck or a pound
Is all that makes the world go around,
That clinking clanking sound
Can make the world go 'round.
[GIRLS]
Money money money money money money
Money money money money money money
Money money money money money money
Money money
Posted by: joanie | November 26, 2006 at 06:31 PM
Speaking of frostbite, hope for snow. I didn't get into my classroom this weekend and I'm not ready!
Posted by: joanie | November 26, 2006 at 06:35 PM
Folks, the big fake Texas pigfarmer accent is something G.W.B. cooked up just before his run for Governor. Before that he can be heard on news tapes talking in a similar accent to his fellow Eastern seaboard family. It's so over the top it's ridiculous. I've noticed Texans of a similar social caste (educated, professional) to Bush, that have been on Court tv documentaries and other news shows and documentaries, and although they have an accent, it is fairly subtle and subdued- nothing like the "bumpkin at the country fair" drawl that W. pulls our leg with.
Posted by: Tommy008 | November 27, 2006 at 02:34 AM
Excellent post, G-Lib! But, wait one damn minute, T'urts! "Well, according to the Pew research survey this summer, Limbaugh listeners are some of the most educated and knowledgable out there". The Pew research "informed audience" is based on the answers to these three questions: 1)Which party has a majority in the U.S. House of Representatives (Republicans); 2) the name of the current U.S. Secretary of State (Condoleezza Rice); 3)the name of the current president of Russia (Vladimir Putin). The "informed" audience includes Rush's listeners, but the most informed are readers of political mags (Weekly Standard on the right and New Republic on the left.) And, regarding education, "audiences with the highest educational achievement, by far, are the literary magazines and online news outlets". Dittoheads, as well as NPR and C-Span fans, are much more likely than the average person to have a college degree. You have done a repugnant, repuglicanesque skewing of data. Demographer Darryl would be ashamed of such chicanery.
Posted by: FREMONT | November 27, 2006 at 05:39 PM
now i see why o'reilly is so upset with Olbermann. It seems olbermann is now openly contemptuous of the big man, and calling him a "big fathead", as if he was sitting across from him. At least he did all that tonight.
Posted by: Tommy008 | November 27, 2006 at 06:01 PM
Now that's venom that I can appreciate!
Posted by: joanie | November 27, 2006 at 07:42 PM
(in my best "Archie Bunker voice)- Awwwww jeez!, now we got to hear three hours of Girlyman Monson and dese knuckleheads talking about da game, and then takin' calls from knuckleheads listenin' at home. Edith, will ya change it to KGO, hah?
Posted by: Tommy008 | November 27, 2006 at 09:36 PM
I love "All in the Family"--and Joanie, nice money post--how do you like these lyrics? (They're by Ray Davies of the Kinks.)
Show me a man who says he can live without bread
And I'll show you a man who's a liar and in debt.
There's no one alive who can't be purchased or enticed
There's no man alive who wouldn't sell for a price.
Money talks and we're the living proof,
There ain't no limit to what money can do
Money talks, money talks.
Money can't breathe and money can't see,
But when I pull out a fiver people listen to me.
Money can't run and money can't walk,
But when I write out a check I swear to God I hear money talk.
Money talks and baby, when you've been bought
You pay attention everytime money talks.
Money talks, money talks.
Money talks and there's no doubt about it
Money talks and we can't live without it,
What's the point of living unless you've got money?
I just couldn't function without money.
Money talks, money talks.
Show me an upright respected man
And I'll have him licking my boots when I put money in his hand.
It rots your heart, it gets to your soul,
Before you know where you are you're a slave to the green gold.
Money talks and we're the living proof
There ain't no limit to what money can do.
Money talks you out of your self-respect,
The more you crave it the cheaper you get.
Money talks, money talks.
Money buys you time and people listen,
Money can buy a smile and make life worth living.
If you're ugly money can improve you.
I just couldn't face the world without mazuma.
Money talks, money talks.
Posted by: lukobe | November 27, 2006 at 10:23 PM
The sounds of silence......
Posted by: Fremont | November 28, 2006 at 08:34 PM
Hello darkness my old friend
I've come to talk with you again . . .
Incredibly beautiful.
Posted by: joanie | November 28, 2006 at 09:16 PM
My mother gave me a nickle
to buy a pickle
I didnt buy a pickle
I bought some chewing gum
Posted by: sparky | November 28, 2006 at 09:24 PM
Leave it to you!
That's one I don't know . . . how about this one:
I don't want a pickle
Just want to ride on my motorsickle . ..
Posted by: joanie | November 28, 2006 at 09:31 PM
Joanie! You teach first grade and you never learned the Chewing Gum song????
Ella Fitzgerald even recorded it!
My mom gave me a nickel
To buy a pickle
I didn't buy a pickle
I bought some choo'n gum
Choo, choo, choo, choo, choo, choo'n gum
How I love choo'n gum
I'm crazy over choo'n gum
I chew, chew, chew
My aunt gave me a quarter
For soda water
I didn't buy the water
I bought some choo'n gum
Choo, choo, choo, choo, choo, choo'n gum
How I love choo'n gum
I'm crazy over choo'n gum
What can I do?
I chew the day away, it seems
I'm even blowin' bubbles in my dreams
My pop gave me a dollar to buy a collar
You should have heard him holler
When I bought choo'n gum
Choo, choo, choo, choo, choo, choo'n gum
How I love choo'n gum
I'm crazy over choo'n gum
I just love choo'n gum
Posted by: sparky | November 29, 2006 at 08:09 AM
You are the penultimate educator, Sparks....that was new to me, too!
Posted by: Fremont | November 29, 2006 at 01:16 PM
Joans, I just heard that motorsickle song at Alice's Restaurant....
Posted by: Fremont | November 29, 2006 at 01:19 PM
Joans, I just heard that motorsickle song at Alice's Restaurant....
Posted by: Fremont | November 29, 2006 at 01:19 PM
Sorry for the ditto....it's the Safari thing....
Posted by: Fremont | November 29, 2006 at 01:22 PM
Fremont, what Safari thing? Did you ever learn to drag and read?
I downloaded Firefox and am using it more often as my browser now. It has some problems as well but I think I like it better. Still evaluating. Just did the download last week.
You might try it. It doesn't allow me to click and drag the robot, however.
Posted by: joanie | November 29, 2006 at 01:41 PM
Dori is dragging out his hoary old "they made poor choices" , speech and delivering it from behind his soapbox with the four inch riser behind it that he stands on top of to look normal. Thr Downtown Merchants Association is passing out flyers to shoppers downtown "educating" them about not giving money to homeless people, but instead donating money to social service orgs. A local homeless advocate has compared to flyers to "Please Do Not Feed The Bears" signs at Yellowstone Park. Dori, you're such full of yourself, jumped up little fart.
Posted by: Tommy008 | November 29, 2006 at 02:01 PM
Find moose and squirrel, Dori!
Posted by: Tommy008 | November 29, 2006 at 02:03 PM
And Bush is still promising to help Katrina victims . . . geez, they'll all be dead from old age by the time he gets it done.
I like the song, Sparky. I'll have to try to find Ella's version cause I like her a lot, too. She was sweet. I actually saw her in person . . . now that's a long time ago. She was with Oscar Peterson I think.
Mem'ries, like the corners of my mind
Misty, water-colored memories . . .
When Michael comes back, he'll think we've hi-jacked his blog to revisit old music.
Posted by: joanie | November 29, 2006 at 02:24 PM
can you switch off the italycs?
Posted by: sparky | November 29, 2006 at 04:03 PM
Michael Medved did a review of "Happy Feet" the new animated kiddie film about penguins...
and he says the film has a gay theme....
ok....
Posted by: sparky | November 29, 2006 at 05:02 PM
Using both Firefox and Safari, too, Joans...latest news is that Bla'M is so upset and humiliated by Webb's scurrilous attacks that he is neither coming out nor coming back....
Que pasa con The Box, Joans?
Posted by: Fremont | November 29, 2006 at 08:36 PM
haha W got told to get some business by new Va. Congressman James Webb. FoxNews reports that Webb was at a White House reception for the newly elected members of Congress, where after unsuccessfully trying to avoid Bush, turned to face the Bushman as he asked Webb,"How's your boy"? Bush was referring to Webb's Marine son, who is serving in Iraq. Webb replied that he hoped that Bush will "bring them home". Bush answered,"That's not what I asked you- how's your boy? A furious Congressman Webb snapped," That's between me and my boy."
Posted by: Tommy008 | November 29, 2006 at 10:16 PM
Daily kos covered this too...Webb said that he really wanted to reach out and punch him....
Posted by: sparky | November 29, 2006 at 10:18 PM
oops sorry, It's Va. Senator James Webb, not Congressman.
Posted by: Tommy008 | November 29, 2006 at 10:19 PM
Blatherwatch Stormreport 2006- over 2 inches of snow here already tonight here on West Queen Anne Hill.
Posted by: Tommy008 | November 29, 2006 at 10:33 PM
It's snowing again! Will I get another day at home . . . would the gods really grant me such a gift?
Posted by: joanie | November 29, 2006 at 10:36 PM